Colin Firth backs bill for voting reform

The campaign to change the Westminster voting system has received the support of Bafta-winning actor Colin Firth.

Fresh from receiving the award for his portrayal of George VI in The King's Speech, the Oscar-tipped star said May's referendum offers a rare chance for reform.

"The referendum is a once in a generation opportunity to change our clapped out politics for good. I'll be voting yes," he said.

Firth campaigned alongside Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg during the general election campaign but dropped his backing when the junior coalition partners supported student fee rises.

The referendum will be over whether to swap first-past-the-post for the alternative vote (AV), under which people select a second choice candidate who receives their vote if their first choice trails and drops out.

Time is running out to have the referendum legislation, the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill, passed in time to meet a watchdog's deadline for a 5 May ballot after continued opposition in the House of Lords.